Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 4:12

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

God, whom no man hath seen at any time, hath appointed His children as the visible recipients of our outward kindness which flows from love to Himself, "whom not having seen, we love," compare Notes, Jo1 4:11, Jo1 4:19-20. Thus Jo1 4:12 explains why, instead (in Jo1 4:11) of saying, "If God so loved us, we ought also to love God," he said, "We ought also to love one another." If we love one another, God dwelleth in us--for God is love; and it must have been from Him dwelling in us that we drew the real love we bear to the brethren (Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16). John discusses this in Jo1 4:13-16. his love--rather, "the love of Him," that is, "to Him" (Jo1 2:5), evinced by our love to His representatives, our brethren. is perfected in us--John discusses this in Jo1 4:17-19. Compare Jo1 2:5, "is perfected," that is, attains its proper maturity.

Read 1 John 4:12 →Read the full chapter →John Gill's Exposition →Barnes' Notes →Wesley's Explanatory Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →

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